A new study may upset those who enjoy eating certain fruits with their cereal in the morning, according findings published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

Antioxidants are vital nutrients that help the body fight against free radicals, which can lead to several health complications, including heart disease, memory loss and certain types of cancer.

Two groups of individuals were enrolled in a trial and were asked to eat 200 grams of blueberries and drink either 200 mL of water or whole milk. Following the food and beverage consumption, a team of researchers took blood samples from each individual to test for plasma antioxidant levels.

The results of the study found that the participants who ate the blueberries with whole milk had no improved antioxidant activity in their bodies, while the individuals who consumed the fruit with water had higher levels of the nutrients in their systems.

The team discovered that the reason why people who drank whole milk while eating blueberries had no antioxidant activity was because certain forms of acids found in the milk blocked the nutrients from becoming active in the body.

In addition to eating blueberries, consuming broccoli, tomatoes and pistachios, which are all high sources of antioxidants, and can help improve optimal health.